Toyota will make some improvements to the new GR Corolla, releasing an evolved version on March 3, 2025. Orders will begin being taken in Japan on February 4, 2025, with prices ranging from 5.68 million yen to 5.98 million yen. This announcement marks the resumption of sales. Toyota America’s TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveiled the evolved GR Corolla for the first time in the world on August 1, 2024, in California, USA . Here’s a detailed look at what kind of model it will be.
About the partially improved evolved GR Corolla
Evolved GR Corolla
This evolved and improved model has body dimensions of 4410mm in length, 1850mm in width, 1480mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2640mm. The engine is the 1.6L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine “G16E-GTS” that is installed in the GR Yaris , and the transmission is a newly developed “8-speed automatic (GR-DAT)” in addition to the “6MT” . Engine output remains the same at 224kw (304PS), and maximum torque has been improved from 370N･m (37.7kgf/m) to 400N･m (40.8kgf/m). The drivetrain is 4WD, and the transmission lineup includes a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic.
Evolved GR Corolla: Main improvements adopted only in the Japanese model
The SPORT Package, which focuses on a sportier and more high-quality interior, is available as a manufacturer’s package option (253,000 yen (including consumption tax)).
SPORT Package
- Dedicated semi-bucket seat (slide & reclining / GR marking)
- Ultrasuede® *1 wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
(black painted cast iron with GR emblem and center marker) - Ultrasuede® wrapped shift knob ( anodized red decorative ring) Shift lever boot (Ultrasuede® with red stitching)
- Manual parking brake (Ultrasuede® wrapped grip) Parking brake boot (Ultrasuede® / with stitching)
- ELR 3-point red seat belt (with pretensioner and force limiter mechanism [front])
- Cast black decoration
Evolved GR Corolla now features “Circuit Mode”
Shift timing indicator
Circuit Mode is a service that enables functions to bring out the car’s potential, such as adding anti-lag control and raising the upper speed limiter limit, at participating circuits and facilities in Japan.By determining the vehicle’s location using GPS and operating the dedicated app, Circuit Mode becomes available by switching to a dedicated meter display that intuitively shows shift timing and engine RPM.
Evolved GR Corolla partial improvement 1.6L turbo engine improved
The 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooled turbo engine “G16E-GTS” has a maximum output of 224kw (304PS) and a maximum torque of 400N･m (40.8kgf/m) increased from 370N･m (37.7kgf/m).
The evolved GR Corolla undergoes partial improvements and adopts the newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission “GR-DAT.”
Newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission “GR-DAT”
The GR-DAT has been honed in motorsports and on a variety of roads. The AT control software has been optimized for sports driving. While previously gear changes were determined by sensing vehicle behavior such as deceleration G and speed, the new system meticulously senses brake application/release and accelerator operation, anticipating situations where gear changes are necessary before vehicle behavior changes occur, achieving “gear selection that captures the driver’s intentions.” Gear selection is similar to that achieved by professional drivers. High-heat-resistant friction material is used for the gear-change clutch inside the AT, and improvements to the AT control software have achieved world-class gear change speeds. The 8-speed AT and close ratios make the most of the power band. A Torsen® Limited Slip Differential ( LSD ) is installed to improve drive force control performance through accelerator operation.
Evolution of cornering performance
The new GR Corolla incorporates rebound springs in the front and rear shock absorbers, improving vehicle posture during cornering and the ground load characteristics of the inner wheels, thereby enhancing stability. Furthermore, the trailing arm mounting point on the rear axle has been raised to reduce rear sag during acceleration. This reduces changes in vehicle posture in response to accelerator operation, enabling stable cornering. Additionally, the spring characteristics of the rear coil spring and stabilizer have been optimized to improve rear tire contact with the road, enhancing vehicle controllability.
Evolution of cooling and aerodynamic performance
Vehicles equipped with the GR-DAT come standard with a water-cooled ATF warmer and cooler or an air-cooled ATF cooler, and are also equipped with a sub-radiator. This enhances engine and transmission cooling performance. The front bumper is designed to smooth airflow, maximizing cooling effectiveness and ensuring driving stability.
An evolution in the sense of oneness with the car
High-rigidity grooved washer bolts are used to fasten the steering column and instrument panel reinforcement, achieving straight-line stability and a direct steering feel.In addition, special high-rigidity bolts are used for the fastening bolts of chassis parts, improving steering response and rear grip.
These improvements make the new GR Corolla a vehicle that offers a higher level of performance and driving enjoyment.
Evolved GR Corolla Partially Improved Body Colors
Super White II〈040〉
Platinum White Pearl Mica〈089〉
Precious Metal〈1L5〉
Precious Black Pearl〈219〉
Emotional Red II〈3U5〉
- Super White II〈040〉
- Platinum White Pearl Mica〈089〉
- Precious Metal〈1L5〉
- Precious Black Pearl〈219〉
- Emotional Red II〈3U5〉
Improved GR Corolla specs
| Specifications | Evolved GR Corolla | Evolved GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,410mm | 4,410mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,480mm | 1,475mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm | 2,640mm |
| engine | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
| Maximum power | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
transmission |
6 speed iMT | 8-speed automatic transmission (GR-DAT) |
| Drive system | 4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| tire | 235/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
245/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 12.4km/L | – |
| Price (10%) | 5,680,000 yen | 5,980,000 yen |
About the new Toyota GR Corolla
Compared to the Corolla Sport, the GR Corolla’s front fenders are 20mm wider on each side and the rear fenders are 30mm wider on each side, giving it a wider stance and suggesting a wilder driving experience.
The GR Corolla is equipped with an even more powerful version of the 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooled turbo engine also found in the GR Yaris, with a maximum output of 224kW (304PS). It also features an optimized GR-FOUR sports 4WD system with a front and rear variable drive force system, achieving high-speed stability and excellent cornering performance. While using the Corolla Sport’s body as its basic structure, this allows for a 60mm wider front and 85mm wider rear tread.
Furthermore, while maintaining the convenience of a five-door, five-seater vehicle, it also offers a high level of both ease of use in everyday life and driving pleasure. Like the GR Yaris, it uses a roof panel made of CFRP material formed using the SMC method, which allows for a high degree of freedom in shape, achieving not only increased rigidity but also weight reduction. It is also equipped with opposed caliper brakes that provide stable braking force and controllability.
The short-stroke shift lever is positioned so that the arm is naturally lowered from the steering wheel, allowing for quick shifting. The parking brake is manually operated , with a view to vehicle control at the limit, such as during drifting . A full TFT meter (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster) developed exclusively for GR vehicles has been newly adopted . Modeled after racing cars, the feedback of professional drivers has been incorporated to improve visibility during sporty driving. The latest preventive safety package, Toyota Safety Sense, is standard equipment.
The 2023 partial improvement has been made further by utilizing the experience gained from various motorsports such as the Super Taikyu Series. This has resulted in an improved sense of directness and stability in response to driving operations, further evolving the car’s ability to drive in a way that is more responsive to the driver’s wishes.
To improve the direct feeling of driving operations, bolts with increased fastening rigidity have been adopted for some of the bolts fastening chassis parts. This has improved responsiveness to steering operations and straight-line stability, further evolving the sense of unity with the car.
To improve stability, the shape of the front bumper duct has been improved to optimize the airflow inside the wheelhouse, resulting in improved handling stability and stable driving even at high speeds.
In addition, a new limited edition color, Cyan Metallic, will be available, combined with the exclusive interior color Black x Blue, and will be sold in a limited run of 50 units. This limited edition model is a special one that combines unique design and high performance.
What will happen to the resale in Japan?
The previous 2023 model was limited to 550 units , and lottery applications were accepted online from 1:30 PM on August 23, 2023, to 8:59 AM on September 11, 2023, with sales beginning in late September. They sold out immediately. It remains difficult to produce a significant number of units for the 2024 model, so it’s likely that the number will be limited, just like the previous model.
Above all, it is important to know when the business negotiations will start, so we will let you know as soon as we have more details.
As I wrote above last time, considering that the lottery started in the summer, it’s about time!
GR Corolla delivery time
Sales volume
According to information from Hyogo Toyota, delivery will take approximately two to six months.
- Lottery application period: February 2, 2025 (Sunday) 9:30 to February 13, 2025 (Thursday) 17:00
- How to apply: Apply at a new car dealership
- Winners will be announced between Friday, February 14th and Sunday, February 16th, 2025.
*Only winners will be contacted. - Vehicle production period (planned): April 2025 to August 2025
- All grades Please contact your dealer for details.
Manufacturer Information
- GR Corolla For details, please contact your dealer.
A word from the editorial department
This evolved and improved model features increased power and torque, and a newly developed transmission, further refining the GR Corolla’s driving experience and evolving it to an even higher level, making it a vehicle that meets drivers’ expectations in every driving situation. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.
GR Corolla related articles
https://car-repo.jp/blog-entry-2025-toyota-grmn-corolla.html
Toyota GR Corolla
